US20040221421A1 - Suction nozzle configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

A suction nozzle for a floor care appliance such as an upright vacuum cleaner having at least a first channel located above an agitator to carry air and dirt to a suction passageway. The cleaner has several embodiments, one of which has a single channel and a single agitator. Another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts, a channel, and a single agitator. Yet another embodiment has the single channel and dual agitators. Still yet another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts and dual agitators. Further yet still, another embodiment has front and rear suction ducts, a channel, and dual agitators. Several embodiments of an agitator drive assembly are provided using various means to provide rotary power to the agitator(s).

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application has priority to provisional application serial No. 60/266,713 filed on Feb. 6, 2001.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• This invention relates to a suction nozzle for floor care appliances having single or multiple agitators and the appliances having single or multiple channels for air flow entrained with dirt.[0003]
• 2. Description of Related Prior Art[0004]
• Cleaners have been provided using single ducts or two ducts for carrying away dirt. However, none of these ducts were centrally located in the nozzle and located above the agitator. Further, cleaners utilizing dual agitators are known but are generally not common in the art. What is needed in the art are floor care appliances having multiple channels for carrying away dirt with the option of providing at least two agitators.[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides multiple embodiments of floor care appliances such as an upright vacuum cleaner having various configurations of a suction nozzle. The various embodiments may have a channel located above one or more rotary agitators to improve the performance of the nozzle in removing dirt particles from the floor surface and transporting the dirt particles to a suction passageway for further collection. The embodiments of the suction nozzle may also contain front and/or rear suction ducts to further improve the performance of the nozzle in removing dirt particles from the floor surface and for transporting dirt particles to the suction passageway.[0006]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:[0007]
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suction nozzle arrangement, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;[0008]
• FIG. 2 is a top view of the suction nozzle arrangement shown in FIG. 1;[0009]
• FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of FIG. 2;[0010]
• FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 2:[0011]
• FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 2;[0012]
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a suction nozzle arrangement having a single channel located centrally above the agitator;[0013]
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the suction nozzle arrangement of FIGS. 1-5 taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 3, wherein the suction nozzle arrangement similar to the suction nozzle arrangement shown in FIG. 6 but with a single channel and a pair of sidewardly-extending front and rear ducts;[0014]
• FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of suction nozzle arrangement having a hemispherical single channel located centrally above dual rotary agitators;[0015]
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a suction nozzle arrangement having sidewardly extending front and rear ducts and dual agitators;[0016]
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a suction nozzle arrangement having sidewardly extending front and rear ducts, dual agitators, and a channel located centrally located above the agitators;[0017]
• FIG. 11 shows a counter-rotating interlaced helix agitator assembly having a single flat belt for driving a first agitator, wherein the first agitator has a helical ribbon circumscribing the outer surface for meshing with a helical ribbon circumscribing the outer surface of a second agitator thereby driving the second agitator;[0018]
• FIG. 12 shows another agitator assembly wherein a flat belt drives a pulley, the pulley drives a toothed belt, and the toothed belt drives a pair of rotary agitators; and[0019]
• FIG. 13 shows yet another agitator assembly wherein a pair of rotary agitators are rotated by a belt and a worm gear.[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 and[0021]7, shown is asuction nozzle28 of avacuum cleaner10 having ahandle11, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows asuction nozzle28 comprised of anagitator housing12, anagitator chamber13, anagitator14, afirst channel20 located on the top ofagitator chamber13, and a pair of integral front and rear sidewardly extendingsuction ducts40,42. Thenozzle28 is generally part of a floor care appliance such as that shown in the dashed lines in FIG. 1. Thenozzle28 itself comprises anagitator housing12, preferably of a molded configuration, that is firmly attached to thenozzle28 through the use of fasteners, including without limitation, screws or rivets extending through brackets situated on opposite sides of theagitator housing12. This general configuration is known in the art, such as the cleaner described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,178,653, issued Dec. 18, 1979, owned by a common assignee, and fully incorporated by reference herein.
• Referring now to FIGS. 2-5,[0022]suction nozzle28 has theagitator housing12, which includes a connected rearwardly extendingside discharge duct27. The rearwardly extendingside discharge duct27 defines asuction passageway25 and leads conventionally to a motor-fan system (not shown) and the pair of integral front and rear sidewardly extending ducts,40,42 respectively and arotatable agitator14 disposed within theagitator housing12. Turning to FIG. 5, thebottom plate34 covers the bottom side of theagitator housing12 and includes asuction slot35 on which theagitator14 is centered so as to be in surface engaging contact with the surface on which thenozzle28 rests. The general configuration to be explained is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,418, issued May 7, 1996, owned by a common assignee, and incorporated by reference fully herein.
• Referring now to specifically FIG. 2, and in addition. FIGS. 3 and 4, the[0023]rear discharge duct27 extends juttingly rearwardly out of theagitator chamber13 to provide communication with the conventional motor fan system (not shown) disposed downstream of thenozzle28. Therear discharge duct27 is formed withvertical walls27a,27band a top and bottomhorizontal walls27c,27dand provides a vertically elongated rectangular shape to asuction passageway25. Thispassageway25, opens at its front, confluently at opening33, best seen in FIG. 5, to front and rear sidewardly extendingducts40,42. Of course, therear discharge duct27 may be of any other shape which is suitable for easy air passage.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the front sidewardly extending[0024]duct40 being shaped to provide as closely as possible a constant air carrying velocity along its length. The front sidewardly extendingduct40 continuously and uniformly expands along its length its until it reaches therear discharge duct27. The front sidewardly extendingduct40 further comprises an integral upwardlyangled duct section44 including atop wall45 extending from adjacent anend48 of theagitator housing12 oppositely disposed of therear discharge duct27. Thetop wall45 is angled uniformly upwardly from this end to approximately midway of theagitator housing12. Thetop wall45 length is integrally formed to a vertical wall portion47 (FIG. 7) of the inner cylindrical section orsurface36 partially forming anagitator chamber13 wherein thefirst agitator14 is disposed. Since thetop wall45 is angularly disposed until its inward termination, the vertical wall portion47 (FIG. 7) is triangularly shaped in plan. Theangled duct section44 further comprises a front wall46 (FIG. 7) parallel to thevertical wall portion47 and similarly shaped which provides a completion of theangled duct section44 except for its relationship with thebottom plate34 and the front sidewardly extendingduct40 which will be described below.
• Still viewing FIG. 2-4, air moving through the[0025]angled duct section44 of the front sidewardly extendingduct40 enters atransition section54 of the duct that passes over a bottom face wall formed by the top of the innercylindrical surface36 of theagitator housing13 to confluently communicate with therear discharge duct27. Thetransition section54 adjacent to the inward termination of theduct section44 includes a shortadjoining portion56 that communicates directly with the terminating end of the duct section and is of the same height as this termination. It provides no expanding duct portion for maintaining constant air velocity but is necessary for easy moldability in the front duct and the agitator housing12. Ideally, it is shortened and abbreviated so it does not to seriously effect the constant carrying velocity of suction air passing through the front duct.
• The short adjoining[0026]portion56 merges into an expandingduct portion60 which includes a forward lead in thewall62. This lead in the wall is slightly angled relative to adjoiningportion56 upwardly over the innercylindrical surface36 to provide a smoothed airflow with thefront duct40. It merges with a more steeplyangled wall64 which is deeper and provides a transition into anangled wall piece66. Theangled wall piece66 terminates, slightly spaced from the front suction opening of therear discharge duct27.
• An[0027]opposite end54 of thefront duct40 is formed with a shortangled duct portion70 like theduct portion44 that angles upwardly along the agitator housing12 towards the expandingduct portion60. This shortangled duct70, again because of its expanding characteristics, provides a constant transport velocity characteristic to the suction air moving through it. It terminates in a vertically extendingwall72 extending upwardly vertically and outwardly from it along the innercylindrical surface36 and forming a portion of the other wall of the expandingduct portion60. This wall merges into an angularly extending wall also extending along the inner generallycylindrical surface36 until it terminates adjacent opening in the wall portion.
• Still viewing FIGS. 2-5, the rear[0028]sidewardly extending duct42 extends along a rear side of theagitator housing12 in an expanding way. It includes an upwardly angledtop wall78 and a generally integral upwardly angledforward wall50. A portion of the upwardly angledforward wall50 is formed by the external surface of the innercylindrical surface36 and a portion on the vertical extension and a rear vertically extending reinforcingwall52. This wall is integrally formed with the upwardly angledtop wall78 and extends there above to be generally aligned with the top side of therear discharge duct27. It forms the rear side of theagitator housing12 at its bottom. Therear duct42 terminates in a discharge opening which is as deep in height as the actualrear discharge duct27 at its suction opening to confluently connect thereto. A suction opening of the frontsidewardly extending duct40 is also in confluent communication with these two openings and is essentially located flush with theforward wall50 of therear duct42.
• For molding requirement ease, the expanding duct portion because of is formed without a top wall so that a top wall of the exact top outline and vertical terminating shape of the expanding duct portion is mounted thereon by gluing or the like to complete the closed volume of the front[0029]sidewardly extending duct40.
• A cross-section of the[0030]suction nozzle28 of the preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. Theagitator housing12 includes an inner generally cylindrical surface orsection36 as is conventional in the cleaner art. This section orsurface36 begins generally at the front of theagitator housing12 and extends upwardly and circumferentially inwardly until interrupted by thefirst channel20.First channel20 comprises atop wall21 and may further comprise first andsecond side walls22,24 extending from opposing edges thereof. Thetop wall21 may be flat as shown in FIGS. 6,7, and10 or hemispherical in shape as shown in FIG. 8 to eliminate any sharp corners. Thetop wall21 may have a substantially uniform depth, or its depth may increase as thefirst channel20 approaches thesuction connection27.
• As previously mentioned, the inner cylindrical section or[0031]surface36 is interrupted by thefirst side wall22 and then continues from thesecond side wall24 in a circumferentially outwardly20 direction. Thefirst channel20 extends across thenozzle28. As shown in FIG. 7, thefirst channel20 is located at a top center position of anagitator housing12. However, thefirst channel20 may be located in other positions along the inner cylindrical section orsurface36. The position offirst channel20 as shown in FIGS. 6-8 and10 is preferred and provides for constant air flow and increased dirt removal.
• The inner cylindrical section or[0032]surface36 terminates in the rear section of theagitator housing12. Thefirst agitator14 tends to move air along thefirst channel20 in theagitator housing12 towards a tubular formedsuction connection26, which is also integral with theagitator housing12. Thesuction connection26 in turn communicates rearwardly with a rigid nozzle suction duct extending to the motor fan system (not shown) for thenozzle28. The manner of sealing the suction connection with the nozzle suction duct may be any conventional arrangement desired.
• Suction applied to the[0033]suction connection26 provides a flow of suction air through theagitator housing12. Because of the position and shape of thefirst channel20, the velocity and pressure across the face of thenozzle28 tends to be relatively constant.
• In an alternate embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 6, the[0034]vacuum cleaner10 comprises thefirst channel20 and asingle agitator14 in asuction nozzle arrangement228 similar to the preferred embodiment. A similar inner generally cylindrical surface orsection236 is interrupted by achannel20. However, there are no front andrear suction ducts40,42 and section orsurface236 formingagitator chamber213 is continuous and meets with front and rear sidewalls on the interior ofagitator housing212.
• In a third embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 8., the[0035]vacuum cleaner10 comprises asuction nozzle arrangement328 having a first channel320 and twoagitators14,16. Theagitator housing312 andagitator chamber313 must be of sufficient dimension to accommodate theagitators14,16 in a side by side relationship and yet permit air to readily flow through the first channel320. Thedual agitators14,16 should be in close proximity to maximize dirt removal from the underlying surface. This is true for all embodiments later described utilizing a dual agitator system. Of course it should be noted that the first andsecond agitators14,16 can roll in the same direction, clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the agitator drive means utilized. Alternately, theagitators14,16 can counter-rotate towards each other or away from each other. The first channel320 may be positioned above and between the first andsecond agitators14,16, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. The first channel320 has a semi-hemispherical cross-section and is formed in the inner generally cylindrical surface orsection236 and disposed centered aboveagitators14,16. Since nosuction ducts40,42 are present, inner generallycylindrical surface336 extends continuously from the interior front and rear sidewalls ofagitator housing312 except for where interrupted by first channel320.
• In a fourth embodiment of the invention,[0036]vacuum cleaner10 comprises asuction nozzle arrangement428 having at least twoagitators14,16, as shown in FIG. 9. Further, only the front andrear channels40,42 are present. As previously mentioned, theseagitators14,16 may rotate in the same direction, clockwise or counterclockwise. Alternatively, theagitators14,16 could counter-rotate, meaning towards each other or away from each other. The fourth embodiment of the invention eliminates thefirst channel20 of the preferred embodiment taking advantage of the improved cleaning efficiency of front andrear channels40,42 as well as the improved cleaning performance of asecond agitator16. The internal generallycylindrical surface436 is continuous fromfront suction duct40 torear suction duct42.
• In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, a[0037]suction nozzle arrangement528 incorporateschannel20 and front andrear suction ducts40,42, as described previously in the preferred and fourth embodiments, anddual agitators14,16. As described in great detail previously, thefirst channel20, which is located disposed centrally above the twoagitators14,16 and formed in an inner generally cylindrical section orsurface536, provides for greater air flow, more constant air flow, and increased dirt removal from the underlying surface.
• There are infinite possibilities for providing rotary power to a[0038]single agitator14 or a combination of at least two agitators likeagitators14,16. Several embodiments of the invention are presented herein for providing rotary power to afirst agitator14, or alternately, to afirst agitator14 and asecond agitator16. Any one of the below other aspects of the invention for providing rotary power to the agitator(s) could be used with any of the foregoing embodiments of thesuction nozzle arrangements28,228,328,428 and528.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11, a counter-rotating interlaced[0039]helix agitator assembly95 is depicted wherein asecond agitator99 is driven byfirst agitator98. Thefirst agitator98 is rotated by aflat belt97, and a first projection or firsthelical ribbon96 circumscribing the outer surface offirst agitator98 meshes with a corresponding second projection or secondhelical ribbon96 circumscribing the outer surface of asecond agitator99. First and secondhelical ribbon96 may be made of a plastic material and is formed in a spiral circumscribing and radial extends from the outer surface ofagitators98,99. While the first andsecond agitators98,99 are counter-rotating, a continuous point of contact is maintained along the first and secondhelical ribbons96 of the twoagitators98,99 during rotation.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12, and described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,238, issued Oct. 17, 2000, and owned by a common assignee, an[0040]agitator assembly103 is provided comprised of apulley100 driven by atoothed belt102, communicating with thedrive shaft104 of themotor106. Thetoothed belt110 is positioned about thepulley100, thefirst agitator114 and at least oneidler gear108. Thetoothed belt110 contacts at least some portion of asecond idler gear112 and thesecond agitator116. Thus, when thepulley100 is rotated by themotor106, the first andsecond agitators114,116 are engaged by thetoothed belt110 and counter-rotate.
• FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention wherein another[0041]agitator assembly125 is provided wherein amotor126 drives aworm gear128, which in turn drives the two agitator or agitator bars135,136. This embodiment is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,900,889, issued Mar. 7, 1933, and owned by a common assignee. Driving or rotating means is provided for the agitator or agitator bars135,136. The driving means comprises ashaft130, which is rotated by abelt132 and is perpendicular to the agitator or agitator bars135,136. Theshaft130 is provided with spaced worm gears128 having opposite directions of thread advance and these gears mesh with spiral gears134 carried by the respective stub shafts of the agitator or agitator bars135,136.
• It should be noted that many variations are possible with this embodiment of providing the required rotary power to agitator or agitator bars[0042]135,136. First, the worm gear assembly can be located at the center of a nozzle arrangement to drive two agitator or agitator bars135,136, as shown in FIG. 13, or it may be located on the ends of the agitator or agitator bars135,136. If the worm gear assembly is located at the center of suction nozzle arrangement like any of the suction nozzles in the aforementioned embodiments, four small agitators may be utilized. Further, the worm gear may mesh with only one agitator, which in turn could drive the second agitator. It is also contemplated that the worm gear can rotate both agitator bars135,136 and the agitators be so positioned to interlace during rotation.
• The present invention has been described above using a preferred embodiment, alternate embodiments, and other aspects by way of example only. Obvious modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill upon reading the above description and viewing the appended drawings. The present invention describe above and as claimed in the appended claims is intended to include all such obvious modifications within the scope of the present invention.[0043]

Claims (45)

1. A suction nozzle for a floor care appliance, comprising:

a nozzle body having a rear discharge duct;

at least one rotary agitator;

an inner cylindrical section located on an interior of said nozzle body partially forming an agitator chamber; and

a sidewardly extending channel formed in said inner cylindrical section and disposed to extend transversely along said nozzle body.

2. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said sidewardly extending channel is disposed centered above said at least one rotary agitator.

3. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said sidewardly extending channel further includes a top wall, and a first and second opposing sidewalls.

4. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said sidewardly extending channel is hemispherical in shape.

5. A suction nozzle for a floor care appliance, comprising:

a nozzle body having a rear discharge duct;

at least one sidewardly extending duct communicating with said rear discharge duct;

said sidewardly extending duct being disposed to extend transversely along said cylindrical nozzle body;

said sidewardly extending duct including a bottom wall;

said bottom wall forming a nozzle supporting lip;

said sidewardly extending duct also including a pair of vertically extending walls;

one of said vertically extending walls being spaced from said supporting lip to provide an open slot for air and dirt impingement on said nozzle supporting lip and transport along said sidewardly extending duct;

said sidewardly extending duct providing a generally constant air flow velocity characteristic by expanding in cross-section area along said nozzle body toward said rear discharge duct;

at least one rotary agitator;

an inner cylindrical section located on the interior of said nozzle body partially forming an agitator chamber; and

a sidewardly extending channel formed in said inner cylindrical section and disposed to extend transversely along said nozzle body.

6. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 5, wherein said sidewardly extending duct is disposed along a front side of said nozzle body.

7. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 6, wherein said sidewardly extending duct at the front side of said nozzle body includes a communicating portion that extends over said sidewardly extending duct to fluidly communicate with said rear discharge duct.

8. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 7 wherein said communicating portion is generally provided with constant cross-sectional areas to improve air carrying velocity.

9. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 5 wherein said sidewardly extending duct is disposed along the rear side of said nozzle body.

10. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 5 wherein said nozzle body includes a sidewardly extending duct disposed along a front side of said nozzle body and a sidewardly extending duct disposed along a rear side of said nozzle body.

11. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 10 wherein said sidewardly extending duct disposed along the front side of said nozzle body and said sidewardly extending duct disposed along the rear side of said nozzle body communicate with said rear discharge duct.

12. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 11 wherein said sidewardly extending channel is disposed centered above said rotary agitator.

13. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 5 wherein said sidewardly extending channel further includes a top wall, and a first and second opposing sidewalls.

14. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 5 wherein said sidewardly extending channel is hemispherical in shape.

15. A suction nozzle for a floor care appliance, comprising:

a nozzle body having a rear discharge duct;

at least two rotary agitators;

an inner cylindrical section located on an interior of said nozzle body partially forming an agitator chamber; and

a sidewardly extending channel formed in said inner cylindrical section and disposed to extend transversely along said nozzle body.

16. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 15 wherein said sidewardly extending channel is disposed centered above said at least two rotary agitators.

17. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 15 wherein said sidewardly extending channel further includes a top wall, and a first and second opposing sidewalls.

18. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 15 wherein said sidewardly extending channel is hemi-spherical in shape.

19. A suction nozzle for a floor care appliance, comprising:

a nozzle body having a rear discharge duct;

at least one sidewardly extending duct communicating with said rear discharge duct;

said sidewardly extending duct being disposed to extend transversely along said nozzle body;

said sidewardly extending duct including a bottom wall;

said bottom wall forming a nozzle supporting lip;

said sidewardly extending duct also including a pair of vertically extending walls;

one of said vertically extending walls being spaced from said supporting lip to provide an open slot for air and dirt impingement on said nozzle supporting lip and transport along said sidewardly extending duct;

said sidewardly extending duct providing a generally constant air flow velocity characteristic by expanding in cross-section area along said nozzle body toward said rear discharge duct; and

at least two rotary agitators.

20. The suction nozzle for a floor care appliance as set forth inclaim 19, wherein said sidewardly extending duct is disposed along the front side of said nozzle body.

21. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 20, wherein said sidewardly extending duct at the front of said nozzle body includes a communicating portion that extends over said sidewardly extending duct to fluidly communicate with said rear discharge duct.

22. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 21 wherein said communicating portion is generally provided with constant cross-sectional areas to improve air carrying velocity.

23. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 19 wherein said sidewardly extending duct is disposed along the rear side of said nozzle body.

24. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 19 wherein said nozzle body includes a sidewardly extending duct disposed along a front side of said nozzle body and a sidewardly extending duct disposed along a rear side of said nozzle body.

25. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 24 wherein said sidewardly extending duct disposed along the front side of said nozzle body and said sidewardly extending duct disposed along the rear side of said nozzle body communicate with said rear discharge duct.

26. A suction nozzle for a floor care appliance, comprising:

a nozzle body having a rear discharge duct;

at least one sidewardly extending duct communicating with said rear discharge duct;

said sidewardly extending duct being disposed to extend transversely along said nozzle body;

said sidewardly extending duct including a bottom wall;

said bottom wall forming a nozzle supporting lip;

said sidewardly extending duct also including a pair of vertically extending walls;

one of said vertically extending walls being spaced from said supporting lip to provide an open slot for air and dirt impingement on said nozzle supporting lip and transport along said sidewardly extending duct;

said sidewardly extending duct providing a generally constant air flow velocity characteristic by expanding in cross-section area along said nozzle body toward said rear discharge duct;

at least two rotary agitators;

an inner cylindrical section located on an interior of said nozzle body partially forming an agitator chamber; and

a sidewardly extending channel formed in said inner cylindrical section and disposed to extend transversely along said nozzle body.

27. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 26, wherein said sidewardly extending duct is disposed along the front side of said nozzle body.

28. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 27, wherein said sidewardly extending duct at the front of said nozzle body includes a communicating portion that extends over sidewardly extending duct to fluidly communicate with said rear discharge duct.

29. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 28 wherein said communicating portion is generally provided with constant cross-sectional areas to improve air carrying velocity.

30. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 26 wherein said sidewardly extending duct is disposed along the rear side of said nozzle body.

31. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 26 wherein said nozzle body includes a sidewardly extending duct disposed along a front side of said nozzle body and a sidewardly extending duct disposed along a rear side of said nozzle body.

32. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 31 wherein said sidewadly extending duct disposed along the front side of said nozzle body and said sidewardly extending duct disposed along the rear side of said nozzle body communicate with said rear discharge duct.

33. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 26 wherein said sidewardly extending channel is disposed centered above said at least two rotary agitators.

34. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 26 wherein said sidewardly extending channel further includes a top wall, and first and second opposing sidewalls.

35. The suction nozzle as set forth inclaim 26 wherein said sidewardly extending channel is hemi-spherical in shape.

36. An agitator assembly for a floor care appliance, comprised of:

a first agitator;

a second agitator;

a first projection radially extending from an outer surface of said first agitator;

a second projection radially extending from an outer surface of said second agitator; and

wherein said second agitator is driven by said first agitator by said first projection meshing with said second projection.

37. The agitator assembly ofclaim 36, wherein said first projection is a helical ribbon circumscribing the outer surface of said first agitator and said second projection is a helical ribbon circumscribing said outer surface of said second agitator and a continuous point of contact is maintained along the helical ribbons circumscribing said first and second agitators during rotation.

38. The agitator assembly ofclaim 36, wherein said first agitator is rotatably driven by an independent drive motor.

39. The agitator assembly ofclaim 36, wherein said first agitator is rotatably driven by a belt.

40. An improved agitator assembly for a floor care appliance of the type having a suction nozzle, comprised of a plurality of four agitators wherein said plurality of four agitators are arranged in pairs, each pair being oriented in the longitudinal direction of the suction nozzle.

41. The improved agitator assembly ofclaim 40 wherein said plurality of four agitators is driven by a single source.

42. The improved agitator assembly ofclaim 40 wherein said plurality of four agitators are rotatably driven by an independent drive motor.

43. The improved agitator assembly ofclaim 40 wherein said plurality of four agitators are rotatably driven by a worm gear assembly.

44. The improved agitator assembly ofclaim 40 wherein said plurality of four agitators are rotatably driven by at the center of each pair.

45. An improved agitator assembly for a floor care appliance of the type having a suction nozzle, comprised of a plurality of four agitators rotated at the center of the suction nozzle.

Images